Hello Poole!

This week’s issue is packed with good news and big questions. We’ve got the inside scoop on a record-breaking £950k investment into Poole’s parks, pavilions and play areas. Plus, we look at what’s next for the Civic Centre site after its sale was confirmed.

There’s also Green Flag awards for two of our favourite parks, fireworks on the Quay, a huge Star Wars event, girls’ football sign-ups, and an exciting new photo feature where your pictures could make it into PooleNow.

Oh and don’t forget it’s Camp Bestival this weekend, if you’re not planning on going, watch out for the traffic when heading towards Wareham!

Let’s dive in 👇

PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. Listen whilst you read!

🏛 What’s Next for the Civic Centre?

Poole’s Civic Centre has officially been sold – but what happens next?

Last week BCP Council voted to accept a £5.25 million offer from MCR Property Group, ending years of uncertainty around the site’s future. The Civic Centre – including its annex and car park – has been empty since 2022, costing £228k a year in upkeep.

The council says the funds will help “support frontline services,” but there’s little clarity on whether Poole will get a replacement community asset – like the long-awaited Dolphin Swimming Pool redevelopment.

Meanwhile, plans for the Civic Centre site itself remain vague. Will it become housing? Offices? A public space?

It’s a big moment for one of Poole’s most iconic buildings. We’ll be keeping an eye on what happens next.

Meanwhile, if you were in charge of spending the £5.25 million windfall, what would you do with it? Vote on the ideas below, or give us your amazing suggestions!

🌳 Double Win for Poole Parks!

Poole Park and Upton Country Park have once again earned the prestigious Green Flag Award – the national standard for well-kept, welcoming public parks.

Both parks were also recognised with Green Heritage Site Accreditation for protecting their historic features. From the Victorian layout of Poole Park to the grand Georgian house at Upton, these spaces are packed with character.

Cllr Andy Hadley praised the dedication of the staff and volunteers who keep these areas vibrant and accessible: “Our parks are a lifeline for health, wellbeing and biodiversity – and we’re proud to protect them.”

These are easily two of our favourite places to visit in Poole, so it’s great to see them getting national recognition.

⚽ Got a Future Lioness at Home?

Inspired by England’s latest Lionesses Euros victory? If your daughter’s ready to give football a go, Lilliput FC wants to hear from you!

Their thriving girls’ programme is open to new players for the U5, U6, and U7 teams – and it's a brilliant way to get into the game in a fun, friendly, and supportive environment.

Based right here in Poole, Lilliput FC is all about community, confidence and kicking a ball about. Sign up today and start your football journey with them this season 👉 https://www.lilliputfc.com/registration

📈 Ready to Scale Up Your Business?

Business Growth Dorset has launched a series of fully funded programmes to help businesses in Poole and across the BCP area grow smarter, faster, and more strategically.

The Scale-Up initiative offers three tailored tracks:

✅ Finance – Strategic support for business leaders looking to navigate investment, identify funding, and get bid-ready.
✅ Growth – Tools and insights for digital transformation, innovation, sustainability and diversification.
✅ Smart Tech – For advanced engineering, marine, and defence businesses ready to adopt AI, automation, and boost productivity.

Each programme is designed for ambitious businesses with real growth potential – and it’s completely free.

Interested? Explore the options and register 👉 https://www.businessgrowthdorset.co.uk/scale-up

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

This house has a spiral staircase wine cellar! That’s all you need to know 👉 View the property

📸 New Feature: Poole Pic Picks!

Based on the positive feedback to our survey from a couple of weeks ago, we’re launching a brand new reader photo feature – and we need your help!

Every week we’ll pick one amazing Poole photo to showcase as our header image in the newsletter and across our social media. It could be a stunning view, quirky local detail, or a slice of everyday life in Poole.

Want to see your snap featured in front of 1,400+ readers? Upload your best Poole pic here

📱 Town: The New App That Rewards You for Shopping Local

The Town loyalty app is now live in Poole – and if you shop local, it’s well worth a download. Created by local entrepreneur Josh Williams, Town brings together independent shops, cafés and restaurants under one digital loyalty scheme. You earn points every time you spend at participating businesses, and can redeem them for rewards – all while supporting the places that make Poole unique. Josh launched the app to help revive the high street and build stronger connections between people and local businesses. “There’s so much passion for Poole, but we need to make supporting local easier and more rewarding,” he told us. You’ll find Town in use across Poole, from coffee shops to retail and more. It’s free to use, free for businesses to join. If you love where you live and want to help Poole thrive, this is a simple way to do it.

🛍 Sign up at jointown.co.uk and start earning points today.

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. North Poole MP and hospice CEO take on triathlon challenge together – Bournemouth One

2. Bournemouth beach visitors warned not to pet cliffside goats - BBC News

3. New business support programmes launched to help Dorset firms grow – Bournemouth One

Only 16% of readers knew that the Twin Sails Bridge tile picture is on the side of the Poole Museum, so very well done if you got it right! This week’s question is about our award winning Poole Park!

🏏 Dorset Women’s Cricket Showcase

A brand-new celebration of women’s cricket lands at Wimborne Cricket Club on Thursday 31 July. Expect pro skills sessions, inspiring talks, food, fun and a T20 showdown between Dorset Women and Hampshire Women — coached by players from The Hundred. It’s a full day out for fans, families and future stars.
🎟 Info & tickets: dorsetshowcase.co.uk

🎆 Poole Quay Fireworks kicks off this Thursday night!

Poole’s Thursday fireworks are back – lighting up the Quay every week from 31 July until 28 August.

🎉 Enjoy free family fun from 7pm, with the fireworks show starting at 10pm sharp. Expect music, street performers and buzzing summer atmosphere.

So grab your friends, head down to the Quay and end your Thursday with a bang!

🌌 Dorchester Strikes Back This Weekend

Star Wars fans – this one’s for you! Dorchester Strikes Back returns this weekend with two free, themed days packed full of Jedi, Sith and galactic fun.

Hosted by Jedi Archives and the Starbores Podcast, the event raises funds for Dorset County Hospital Charity and Blood Cancer UK. You’ll find lightsabre training, cosplay contests, gaming sessions, photo ops with costuming legends like the 501st UK Garrison, and even sneak peeks at unreleased Lego Star Wars sets.

🗓 Saturday 2 August – Corn Exchange, High West Street
🗓 Sunday 3 August – Jedi Archives, Antelope Walk

Expect prizes, charity raffles, themed food and drink (including Bantha milk mocktails!) and hundreds of fans in full costume. Whether you're Jedi, Sith, or somewhere in between – all are welcome.

Details & schedule 👉 https://dorchesterstrikesback.co.uk/

What’s on this week in (and around) Poole

Tuesday

Bike Night, Poole Quay, from 6pm
See the winner of Bike of the Night, plus live music and entertainment.

The Good Quiz, The Goods Yard
Put on your thinking caps, gather your teammates and take part in the no pen, no paper, NO CHEATING, speed quiz!

Wednesday

Dorset Diving Beach Clean, Shore Road, Sandbanks, 6pm
Booking is essential so they can prepare enough PPE and kit for everyone
Contact Dorset Diving at https://www.dorsetdiving.co.uk/

Poole Pirates v Oxford Cheetahs, Poole Stadium, 7:30pm
Cheer on the Pirates as they take on Oxford in this Cab Direct Championship clash. Gates open from 6:30pm.
Buy tickets

Innocent Bystander, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm
Live covers and good vibes from local favourites Innocent Bystander.

Thursday

Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, all day
A weekend of family-friendly fun and big-name music at one of Dorset’s best-loved festivals.

Dorset Women’s Cricket Showcase, Wimborne Cricket Club, from 11.30am
pro skills sessions, inspiring talks, food, fun and a T20 showdown between Dorset Women and Hampshire Women

Poole Fireworks, Poole Quay, entertainment from 7pm, fireworks at 10pm
Enjoy live music and entertainment before the skies light up with this free summer firework display.

Fireworks Cruise, departs Poole Quay at 8:30pm
Watch the fireworks from the water with this scenic evening cruise around the harbour.
Set sail

Nocturnal Discovery Walk, Upton Country Park, 8:30pm
Join bat experts and volunteers for a guided evening walk through the park’s habitats.
Book your spot

Friday

Weekly Smoke Series, The Goods Yard, Broadstone, 4.00pm
BBQ food from guest grillers

Car Nights, Poole Quay, 6:00pm–9:00pm
This week’s theme: Super Cars and Subarus. Perfect for car enthusiasts and a sunset stroll.

Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, all day
Festivities continue with live acts, kids’ activities and plenty of family fun.

Bone Idol, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm
A rocking Friday night from this energetic local band.
Enjoy the show

Bournemouth Fireworks, Bournemouth Pier, entertainment from 7pm
Fireworks light up the coast again in this Friday night sister display to Poole’s Thursday event.

Saturday

Dorchester Strikes Back, Corn Exchange, Dorchester, from 10am
Star Wars fans won’t want to miss this free event packed with cosplay, competitions and themed activities.

Summer Sounds on the Quay, from 2pm
Enjoy live music at venues across Poole Quay.
Full schedule

Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, all day
Headliners, games, and family-friendly performances fill the castle grounds.

Life In The Past Lane, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm
Classic covers and retro vibes from this popular pub band.
Hear them live

Sunday

Dorchester Strikes Back, Jedi Archives, Antelope Walk, Dorchester
More cosplay, gaming and meet-and-greet moments as the Star Wars celebration continues.

Summer Sounds on the Quay, from 1pm
Enjoy live music at venues across Poole Quay.
Full schedule

Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, all day
The final day of music and family fun, closing with a bang.

Poole Toy & Collectables Market, Newtown, 1pm–4pm
Browse retro toys, comics, trading cards and more at this popular free-entry event.

Unplugged: The Best Of Grohl, St. Peter’s Church, Poole, doors 7pm
An acoustic tribute to Nirvana, Foo Fighters and more in an intimate, candle-lit setting.
Book now

Monday

Pub Quiz Night – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7.30–10.30pm
£3 entry includes quiz and bar snacks. Friendly fun to start the week.

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